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The rule of law is crucial in maintaining peace from "summary" of The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker
The rule of law, the principle that government authority is legitimately exercised only in accordance with written laws, is not merely an abstract legal concept. It is a linchpin of civilization, a safeguard against the brutish rivalries that erupt in the absence of a higher authority. For much of human history, life was a Hobbesian war of all against all, as Thomas Hobbes famously put it. People lived in small, autonomous bands, in a state of nature where there was no law but the law of the jungle. In such a world, disputes were settled by violence, vendettas, and blood feuds. But with the rise of centralized states, law enforcement agencies, and judicial systems, the rule of law began to supplant the rule of the jungle. Instead of taking matters into our own hands, we could now rely on impartial judges, police officers, and juries to resolve disputes and dispense justice. The rule of law is crucial in maintaining peace because it provides a framework for resolving conflicts without resorting to violence. When everyone is subject to the same laws, and those laws are enforced impartially, people are more likely to obey them willingly. This creates a sense of predictability and stability in society, reducing the likelihood of disputes escalating into violent confrontations. Moreover, the rule of law helps to prevent the abuse of power by those in positions of authority. When government officials are bound by the same laws as the rest of society, they are less likely to act arbitrarily or tyrannically. This limits the potential for oppression and exploitation, fostering a more equitable and just society.- The rule of law serves as a social contract that we enter into with one another, agreeing to abide by certain rules and norms in exchange for the benefits of living in a peaceful and orderly society. Without this shared commitment to the rule of law, we would be at the mercy of our worst impulses, descending once again into a state of nature where might makes right.
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